In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Nikita Dutta opens up about her transformative journey in the entertainment world, where she’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting and fearless actresses. Known for her bold and unfiltered approach to acting, Nikita Dutta, opens up about her transformative journey in the entertainment world and insights into her powerful role as Poonam in Waking of a Nation. She also teases her upcoming project Jewel Thief
Tejal Sinha
Nikita Dutta is quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment world, delivering unforgettable performances that leave audiences captivated and craving more. With each role, she has proven that she’s not afraid to take risks—whether it’s stepping into the raw, gritty world of Waking of a Nation or gearing up for her upcoming high-stakes thriller Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. Known for her bold choices and fearless approach to acting, she has not only earned rave reviews but has also captured hearts with her dedication to portraying characters who are unapologetically strong, complex and unapologetically real.
In this exclusive chat with The Pioneer, she takes us behind the scenes of her transformative journey as Poonam in The Waking of a Nation, revealing the challenges, the freedom and the intense emotional moments that came with playing a character like no other. She also offers a sneak peek into her upcoming role in Jewel Thief, promising a completely new side of herself that will leave audiences in awe. Nikita Dutta is a star who’s just getting started—and trust us, you don’t want to miss a moment of what’s to come.
While Nikita’s rise in the entertainment industry has been impressive, she insists that it was never a conscious strategy.
“I wouldn’t say it’s been a planned effort, but I have always prioritised doing work that I’m proud of, regardless of how it performs with the audience. I also try to improve with every project,” she shares.
Her dedication to meaningful storytelling has paid off, with audiences and critics alike praising her for her nuanced performances.
The Kabir Singh star’s latest project, The Waking of a Nation, is set in 1919 and revolves around a pivotal historical event. Her character, Poonam, is central to the story and her journey is one of resilience and strength.
“Poonam is bold and fierce, but not in a loud or over-the-top way. She has a quiet strength, a strong mind and an unshakable will. I don’t think I’ve ever been this proud of a character I’ve played,” she says. She points out that portrayals of women from that era often depict them as passive figures—either dancing or engaged in domestic tasks. “Poonam breaks that stereotype. She is independent, outspoken and a rare representation of a powerful Punjabi woman of that time,” she adds.
Stepping into Poonam’s shoes required not just emotional depth but also a complete de-glamorisation.
“I had zero makeup throughout the shoot—no foundation, no concealer, not even basic grooming like threading. Even my request for sunscreen was denied because the team wanted absolute authenticity,” she recalls with a laugh.
Shooting on live locations, where dust and sweat were a part of the environment, added to the realism. “Usually, actors get touch-ups between takes, but here, the sweat and dirt were left as they were. It gave me a sense of freedom—there was no vanity, no worrying about how I looked. I could just focus entirely on Poonam.” Poonam navigates a world filled with chaos and personal tragedy, yet she remains steadfast.
“Credit goes to the writers for crafting a well-balanced character. She endures intense emotional trauma, yet she never loses her strength. Unlike many ‘strong female characters’ who express power by being loud, Poonam’s strength lies in her thoughts, choices, and quiet determination,” Nikita explains.
She further admits that the role lingered with her long after the cameras stopped rolling. The courtroom scene in the fourth episode, where Poonam testifies about the massacre, was particularly intense.
“The director didn’t use ‘action’ or ‘cut’ to keep us immersed in the moment. After shooting that sequence, it took me a while to return to normalcy. The show’s premise itself is emotionally heavy and that weight stays with you.” Beyond the no-makeup look, the Khakhee: The Bihar Chapter fame also embraced a more relaxed approach to fitness for the role.
“Since Poonam gets pregnant midway through the show, I didn’t have to follow a strict diet. But the biggest shift was accepting that I wouldn’t be in my usual groomed, polished self—on set or in real life—until the shoot wrapped up.”
She describes the experience as liberating: “I was completely unfiltered, with no worries about hair, makeup, or even how I moved on camera. It gave me a new perspective on acting.” After The Waking of a Nation, Nikita is set to appear in Jewel Thief, an action-packed thriller filled with deception and intrigue.
“It’s a high-stakes world, full of twists and adrenaline. And of course, being a film by Ram Madhvani, you can expect the perfect mix of action, drama and entertainment,” she teases.
Without revealing too much, she promises a dramatic transformation. “My character in Jewel Thief is a complete 360-degree shift from Poonam. Audiences might not even recognize me!”
As for her future projects, Dutta remains selective. “The first thing I consider is the character—does it excite me, challenge me, or offer something new? Then come other factors like the director, production team and genre. But my priority is always the role itself,” she explains.
While she remains tight-lipped about her next projects, one thing is clear: Nikita Dutta is an actress to watch.
